chain reaction
noun
1
a
: a series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next
b
: a number of events triggered by the same initial event
2
: a self-sustaining chemical or nuclear reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind
Examples of chain reaction in a Sentence
Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining chain reaction where a little bit of pressure or heat starts producing even more heat, leading to a rapid rise in temperature that can trigger deadly fires or explosions.
—
Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The pebbles are fed into the reactor via a hopper and, as the nuclear chain reaction proceeds, are cooled by helium gas to an operating temperature of 750 °C (1,382 °F).
—David Szondy
february 21, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2026
The chain reaction culminated in Quintal crashing with Wilson no more than 20 seconds after the deputy unsuccessfully tried a PIT maneuver to stop Holder just before the intersection of Prospect Road and Northwest 31st Avenue, according to the affidavit.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
The tests explode small quantities of weapons-grade plutonium but do not initiate a nuclear chain reaction within the material, according to weapons experts NPR interviewed at the time.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
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Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
The pebbles are fed into the reactor via a hopper and, as the nuclear chain reaction proceeds, are cooled by helium gas to an operating temperature of 750 °C (1,382 °F).
—David Szondy
february 21, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2026
The chain reaction culminated in Quintal crashing with Wilson no more than 20 seconds after the deputy unsuccessfully tried a PIT maneuver to stop Holder just before the intersection of Prospect Road and Northwest 31st Avenue, according to the affidavit.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
The tests explode small quantities of weapons-grade plutonium but do not initiate a nuclear chain reaction within the material, according to weapons experts NPR interviewed at the time.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20reaction. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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